PSM Commissioners elect new chair amid merger fears

More than 30 attend local authority's AGM

Port St Mary Commissioners' newly-elected chair has played down speculation over a possible merger with a neighbouring local authority.

At its annual general meeting, held last night (9 May), the board voted for Dr Michelle Heywood to succeed Laurence Vaughan Williams in the position.

Alan Grace, a previous chair who had received a 'vote of no confidence', was elected as vice-chairman.

More than thirty ratepayers were at the meeting as Mr Vaughan Williams repeated his concerns about a merger with Port Erin, and accused his successor of having a 'hidden agenda'.

Dr Heywood said that wasn't the case, and no changes would be made without public consultation:

Port Erin Commissioners has released a statement which says no discussion had been held over amalgamation with other local authorities for several years.  

Many of the public who attended last night's meeting gave Dr Heywood's assurances a cautious welcome:

Minutes from the AGM will be made available on the Port St Mary Commissioners website.